History Today: When Soviet Union celebrated Victory Day, marking the end of World War II in Europe

On May 9, amongst the events that unfolded, two significantly influenced the course of history.

In 1945, the Soviet Union commemorated Victory Day, marking the end of World War II in Europe.

Fifteen years later, in 1960, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the first oral contraceptive pill, revolutionising reproductive health.

Soviet Union celebrates Victory Day

On May 9, 1945, the Soviet Union celebrated Victory Day, marking the official end of World War II in Europe. This date commemorates the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allied forces, a momentous event that concluded nearly six years of devastating conflict on the European continent.

The surrender was first signed on May 7, 1945, in Reims, France, by German General Alfred Jodl.

However, the Soviet Union insisted on a second, more formal ceremony to be held in Berlin. This subsequent signing took place late on May 8, 1945, but due to time zone differences, it was already the early hours of May 9 in Moscow.

As a result, the Soviet Union and many of its successor states observe Victory Day on May 9, distinguishing it from the May 8 celebrations in Western Europe and the United States.

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The significance of Victory Day in the Soviet Union was profound. The Eastern Front had been the site of some of the most brutal and deadly battles of the war, including the sieges of Leningrad and Stalingrad, and the Battle of Kursk.

The Soviet Union suffered immense losses, with estimates of military and civilian deaths ranging from 20 to 27 million people. Victory Day served as both a celebration of triumph and a solemn remembrance of the sacrifices made.

In Moscow, massive parades are organized to commemorate the victory. The first Victory Day Parade took place on June 24, 1945, in Red Square, featuring thousands of troops and a display of captured German military equipment. These parades became an annual tradition, symbolizing national pride and military strength.

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Victory Day also played a crucial role in Soviet identity and propaganda. It reinforced the narrative of the Soviet Union as the liberator of Europe from fascism and justified its post-war influence over Eastern Europe.

The holiday became a cornerstone of Soviet patriotism, with veterans honored and war stories passed down through generations.

In contemporary Russia and several other former Soviet states, May 9 remains a significant public holiday. Commemorations include military parades, fireworks, and the laying of wreaths at war memorials. The day serves as a reminder of the immense cost of war and the enduring importance of peace.

US FDA approves the first birth control pill

On May 9, 1960, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Enovid-10, the world’s first commercially produced oral contraceptive pill.

Developed by the GD Searle Company of Chicago, Illinois, Enovid-10 was initially approved for the treatment of menstrual disorders but was later recognised for its contraceptive properties.

The approval of Enovid-10 marked a significant milestone in reproductive health and women’s rights. For the first time, women had access to a reliable and convenient method of birth control, granting them greater autonomy over their reproductive choices.

This development played a crucial role in the sexual revolution of the 1960s, challenging traditional norms and empowering women to pursue education and careers without the immediate concern of unplanned pregnancies.

Despite its groundbreaking nature, the introduction of the birth control pill was met with controversy. Religious institutions, particularly the Catholic Church, opposed its use, citing moral and ethical concerns.

Additionally, early versions of the pill were associated with side effects, including nausea and blood clots, leading to ongoing debates about its safety and regulation.

Over time, advancements in pharmaceutical research led to the development of safer and more effective contraceptive options.

The widespread availability of birth control has had profound implications for public health, family planning, and gender equality, solidifying its place as one of the most significant medical innovations of the 20th century.